SINGAPORE: Some residents of Geylang East have voiced opposition to the planned closure of their local public library, citing concerns about transparency, community consultation, and the accuracy of visitor data used to justify the decision.
On the evening of 23 July 2025, officers from the National Library Board (NLB) met approximately 50 to 60 residents in a public engagement session to address dissatisfaction over the relocation of Geylang East Public Library.
The session was led by Wan Wee Pin, NLB’s Director of Planning and Development.
The event was later described in a post by the Facebook page Save Geylang East Public Library, which stated that Wan “did his valiant best to face down a large crowd of angry residents.”
The session, originally scheduled for one hour, ran over by an additional 30 minutes due to the high number of residents and the strong emotions involved.
Notably absent was Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC Member of Parliament Tin Pei Ling, a point that was highlighted in the Facebook post.
NLB cites budget constraints and declining usage
NLB explained that the decision to relocate the library was driven by budget limitations and falling visitor numbers at the Geylang East branch.
Wan informed attendees that the board lacks sufficient funds to keep the library operating beyond 2030 and finds it challenging to request more resources without clear demand figures.
However, many present disputed the way NLB calculates visitorship.
Residents argued that libraries located in commercial malls attract higher footfall due to unrelated attractions.
They cited the Tampines Regional Library as an example, where visitors may enter for non-reading purposes, such as using a commercial indoor playground or watching football matches visible from the library’s windows.
Calls for transparency and community input
Residents expressed frustration at the absence of public consultation before the decision was made. Several asked why they were not involved earlier in the process.
NLB confirmed that the relocation to Tanjong Katong Complex was decided in consultation with other government agencies.
It added that the move would not be reversed and that the new library will be located in the refurbished complex from 2030.
Resident proposes community-led funding
One resident suggested organising a donation drive to address the funding gap so that the library could remain open. NLB officers said they would consider this proposal.
However, the board did not disclose specific figures regarding how much more funding would be needed to keep the Geylang East Library open.
Wan also mentioned the possibility of setting up a smaller library facility elsewhere in Geylang East, although no sites have been identified and there are no concrete plans yet.
Some residents proposed a hybrid approach in which part of the existing building could be repurposed for other community uses, such as sports facilities, while retaining a partial library presence.
NLB acknowledged this suggestion but did not commit to any course of action.
Contrast with Queenstown Library and conservation concerns
Residents highlighted the preservation of Queenstown Library, which remains open as it has been gazetted as a conserved building.
In contrast, the Geylang East Public Library building does not currently enjoy such protection.
Residents were informed they would need to submit an application to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) if they wished to have the building considered for conservation status.
According to the NLB, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which owns the Geylang East building, currently has no plans for the site once the library vacates it.
NLB has reportedly committed to providing an update within six months and stated that future communications will continue through the existing Geylang East Library contact point.
The Facebook post concluded by acknowledging that while Wan had shown sincerity and effort, the session left many with the impression of “having a whole chicken taken away in exchange for a chicken wing.”
MP Tin Pei Ling previously voiced support for residents
Earlier, in a 2 July Facebook post, Tin Pei Ling said she shared her constituents’ concerns and had appealed to NLB to reconsider the move.
She assured residents that her team would continue to monitor developments and remain in contact with NLB.
An online petition has also been launched, urging the authorities to halt the relocation.
Initiated a month ago by local resident Grace Chong, the petition argues that residents were not properly informed of the decision-making process.
As of 24 July 2025, more than 650 individuals had signed the petition to keep Geylang East Public Library at its current location.
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